If you’re looking to get out and about with the kids, there’s nothing better than a day in the fresh air exploring. Kilkenny offers plenty of countryside, beautiful gardens and city walks to choose from, so we’ve picked 8 places for great family walks in Kilkenny that are perfect for a fun day out.
Castles, forests, rivers and gardens – there is lots to see on these family walks in Kilkenny, so you won’t be stuck for choice!
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8 Fun Family Walks in Kilkenny
#1. Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum offers a mixture of formal and informal gardens to stroll around, with something for all the family.
Take your pick from the arboretum with its many specimen trees, the walled garden abundant with flowers and vegetables, the yew walk, the rose garden, Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue.
Refreshments are available in the tea rooms, and there are picnic tables, a playground and toilet facilities on site. A parking charge applies per car, payable on exit.
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#2. Ballyrafton Wood, Ballyfoyle
Ballyrafton Wood is a small wood just off the Castlecomer Road at the turn to Jenkinstown Wood. A circular trail through the wood is unmarked, but starts and ends at the car park. It’s a nice length for younger children, and while the trail is a little uneven in parts, most buggies should manage it.
Keep younger kids close on the return half of the trail, as there are some steep slopes down towards the river. Picnic tables are available in the car park.
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#3. Mountain Grove, Piltown
Mountain Grove is a marked walk along trails through pretty woodland with some small streams. It’s posted as being 4km long and is not suitable for pushchairs – waterproof boots are a good idea too, as some of the ground stays soft and muddy even after a dry spell.
#4. Jenkinstown Wood
Jenkinstown Wood is a great location for a family day out. There are two marked walks through the forest – the Walled Garden Loop (2.5km) and the Jenkinstown Wood Loop (4km). Both start and finish at the car park and suit all family members, with plenty of benches along the way if you need a rest.
One notable point of interest is St. Colman’s Well. There are also picnic areas with tables, grassy spots for the kids to play on, and public toilet facilities.
A deer enclosure next to the car park is always a hit with children of all ages!
#5. Coill an Fhaltaigh
Coill an Fhaltaigh, off the Callan Road at Castleinch, is a millennium forest covering 230 acres. There’s a pond and wildlife sanctuary with plenty of flora and fauna, so dogs must be kept on a leash. Three marked walks suit the whole family, including pushchairs.
Plenty of benches are dotted along the routes for anyone needing a rest, and picnic tables sit adjacent to the car park.
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#6. Kilkenny Castle Park & Gardens
Kilkenny Castle Park & Gardens sits in beautiful grounds that make for a great afternoon out with the family. To the north are the rose gardens surrounding a large fountain. To the south are parklands with rolling hills, meandering paths, a wildlife area and a large playground.
It’s a lovely spot to walk and picnic with the whole family. There aren’t many picnic tables, but there’s plenty of open space for a picnic blanket. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
#7. Lacken Walk, Kilkenny City
This walk features a boardwalk, plus picnic tables and seating along the way. It provides 1.6km of scenic riverside views from Maudlin Street to Ossory Bridge.
Walkers can extend the Lacken walk as far as the ring road, then on to the Bennettsbridge roundabout, down by the Black Quarry and onto the Canal walk, back towards Kilkenny Castle and the city centre. If you’re bringing a buggy, you’ll need a hand at the Lacken Steps near the Dublin Road access point.
#8. Inistioge
This is a magical walk along the bank of the River Nore in Inistioge. It’s narrow in places, so take care with pushchairs and younger children. Older children should love the walk and the scenery, especially trying to spot all the flora and fauna listed on the nature board at the start of the trail.
After about 1km, the trail leads slightly away from the river bank, and if you follow it for about 2km further you’ll reach the waterfall and the ruins of the Swiss Cottage. This section is better suited to older children, as the climb to the ruins is steep in places.
Alternatively, instead of following the river, you can turn right up the hill to Sandford Castle (signposted) – the ruins of a late 18th-century castle. The walk there passes through lovely woodland, and the views from the castle over the village, bridge and surrounding countryside are stunning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Kilkenny walks suitable for buggies and pushchairs?
It varies by location. Woodstock Gardens, Jenkinstown Wood, Coill an Fhaltaigh and Kilkenny Castle Park & Gardens are all pushchair-friendly. Mountain Grove and parts of the Inistioge trail are not suitable for buggies due to uneven or steep ground, and Ballyrafton Wood is manageable but a little uneven in places.
Are dogs allowed on these walks?
Dogs are welcome at most of the locations listed, but must be kept on a leash at Coill an Fhaltaigh and Kilkenny Castle Park & Gardens, both of which have wildlife areas to protect.
Is parking available at these walks?
Most of these walks have on-site car parks. Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum has a parking charge payable on exit; the others mentioned have free car parking.
Which walk is best for very young children?
Ballyrafton Wood and Coill an Fhaltaigh are good choices for younger children, thanks to their shorter, gentler trails and picnic facilities close to the car park.
More Family Days Out in Kilkenny
Looking for more inspiration nearby? Take a look at our guides to the Top 10 Things to do in Kilkenny With Kids, Free Things to Do in Kilkenny with Kids, Kilkenny Playgrounds and Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Kilkenny.
Do you have a favourite family-friendly walk in Kilkenny? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
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